Discussion

North Miami Rumblings...

On a Home Depot run this AM noticed that Burrito Grill has re-opened at a former Chicken Kitchen at 123rd and Biscayne (same side of the street as HD 2 blocks south). Also saw Beach BBQ has an electric sign installed and signs of life - so that should be opened soon.

Last weekend near Sang's on 1925 NE 163rd Street, saw that the indy donut shop next door is renovating into an indy BBQ spot. I still haven't figured out where Sweaty Top Chef Howie is opening his BBQ restaurant.

Ohhellyeah - AB is a donut man so we travel far and wide for a donut with no corporate ties. Dandee Donuts in Hollywood is good. Not sure if Bird Road donuts is still there or M & J in Hialeah? I know the hounds are all about designer cupcakes now.

All that time over a real BBQ pit... sweating into the pork. Oh Howie! It makes me a little bit queasy.

Looking forward to Beach BBQ's expansion. I am worried about 21 Toppings as they are often closed when we pass by. They had originally planned odd hours - closing Sundays which frankly I believed were the best days to serve lunch in a mall by a Costco etc.

Anyone been to 21 lately?

Anyone tried the reopened Vito's (fugazza) meets ribs joint across from Krispy Kreme on 167th and 6th Avenue in NMB "the Chinese Corridor"?

I was at 21 Toppings for the first time last week Friday at about 7:30PM & it was me & one other couple in there so they do not seem to be doing too well. The goat cheese burger was great except that they use store purchased buns. I would pay extra $$ for better buns. Regardless, I will return, maybe bring my own buns...

I drove past 21 a couple days ago and thought they were doing pretty poor as well. I haven't been there in about a year (mainly because they always seem to be closed when I drive by). The location seems bad to me. They need foot traffic. I liked the burger I ate, just hated the damn bun.

Though Top Chef's top prize of $100,000 (to finance a restaurant for the winner) eluded Howie Kleinberg, the pugnacious season three Miami competitor, has announced he'll be opening his own joint anyway this fall. Named, aptly, Bulldog Barbecue, the place---located in an easy-to-miss space in a North Miami mini-mall, formerly occupied by Sun City Café---will offer what Kleinberg calls "New Barbecue." i.e. it'll be Klein's idea of how a ‘cue restaurant should be, which includes incorporation of some Latin flavors, plus some salads and other lighter food. Bulldog Barbecue, 15400 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami Beach, FL 33160, no phone available yet.

I heard about the Bulldog BBQ opening at 154th and Biscayne on the restaurant roundup on WLRN yesterday at 1pm. Did a search and got confirmation from the sun post: http://www.miamisunpost.com/051508cho...

I balked about ever going to 21 toppings for an $8 hamburger, but they seem to have a special that includes fries and a drink for that price, and since I can't find a Cheeburger Cheeburger anywhere in SoFla anymore, it may be the new place for my fix.

We're still determined to hit the former Vito's Pizza (fugazza) and BBQ joint across from Krispy Kreme donuts at 6th and 167th in NMB. Our friends attended NMB Sr High (waaaaaay back when) who still lament the loss of Vito's fugazza and legendary MyPie mentioned another Vito's in Boca/Delray that disappointed.

Has anyone ventured to the restored Vito's on 6th/167th?? Anyone? Bueller?

As mentioned below, Bulldog Barbecue is from Chef Howie Kleinberg (Cheif Bulldog on his business cards). They had a table at the Share our Strength benefit "Taste the Nation" in Ft. Lauderdale last month, and if the BBQ served there was any indicator, the BBQ at the restaurant will be worth checking out. I couldn't pin them down on an opening date, but here are the other details (note: website is not up yet, apparently)

(Note: The website doesn't appear to be up yet, the phone message still has another restaurant name on it, but I sent an e-mail to Chef Howie at the address above and will update as soon as I hear anything)

Wow.. memories. Last time I went to Vito's was about 10 years ago, and it was not quite as good.... When Frank & Vito were together; that Fugazza pizza was a melt in your mouth monster. Neighborhood has changed so much, it seems like a time warp to me.

any word on whether or not Vito's is anything close to how it used to be? I'm always tempted to go in, but don't want to go in and be disappointed... and I saw that the BBQ restaurant was open for business, however we were going to Sang's for Chinese New year dinner.....anyone been to either?

No, I was at that strip mall on Wednesday and they looked like they were getting it together, but it wasn't open. Window washers and cleaners working, but the restaurant was not finished . I would guess another week or two.

If anybody is craving a good Falafel sandwich, I've been going to Grill Time on 163rd and Biscayne lately, and they have a great version for $5(even at dinner time, although they tend to only serve this at the bar during dinner since its not on the menu.) Really a great deal, and the owners are super nice. I've heard good things about their grill items, but the rest of their menu is a bit pricey due to the Kosher nature.

Both Bulldog and City BBQ (next to Sang's on 163rd) look like they could open at any moment. Sad to see 21 Toppings is gone as they were nice folks. We had a decent (greasy) steak sammie at Woody's at 135th and Biscayne while waiting on a quickie car repair at the wonderful Mueller's and another great dinner at Little Havana at 127th and Biscayne too. Had excellent (!) chicken soup during a seasonal cold at Paquito's (still my go-to spot) and a bagel fix with all the post-Rascal-House-liner-uppers at Mo's yesterday.

Gotta love North Miami!

Note to CHUBBI - I did not attend NMB but have lots of friends who did back in the day...

City BBq was terribly dissappointing. had the brisket sandwich for lunch with fries, coleslaw and mac and cheese. meat was great, sauce had a nice flavor. mac and cheese tasted of the box variety, very rubbery and tasted as if theyd been doused with cheap garlic powder. fries were cold and tasteless. Coleslaw was boring. So far best BBQ in NMB/Aventura/NM area id Beach BBQ. Even Bulldog was a disappointment.